Bubbly and braai at the Grande Roche Hotel
Now for something completely different as the Grande Roche Hotel presents "Bubbly and Braai on Saturday, 17 November. As part of their culinary innovations evenings and knowing that South Africa has some of the best Mèthode Champenoise wines in the world guests will be introduced to the superb wine making skills of Saltare, Bon Courage, Laborie, Silverthorn and Plaisir de Merle.
Prepare for an evening of fun at this historic hotel where guests can spill out on to the lawns enjoying crisp bubblies, luscious, refreshing finger fork style appetisers and the tantalising aromas and tastes from the braai. Think prawn skewers, oysters done in their shells and more as we enjoy the promise of summer. Our journey will be hosted by well known radio personality Keri Miller and the evening will be informal and informative as we meet the wine makers and taste the finely crafted sparkling wines.
From Saltare, based in Stellenbsoch, winemaker Carla Pauw introduces guests to the refreshing Brut Nature, a 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir - a wine that is made with passion and some enthusiastic friends who help start each vintage on a lively and energetic note. Made in rented cellar space the wine is made in small quantities so is coveted by those in the know.
Two Winemakers Choice Diamond award winners are on the tasting menu from Bon Courage from the Robertson area. JB Cuvee Rose Brut 2006, their first wonderful rosé which is perfect to drink now. An elegant Method Cap Classique this wine has a silky richness on the palate full of red berries balanced with a subtle mineral undertone. The JB Brut Reserve 2008 is a handmade Cap Classique guided through the cellar by winemaker Jacques Bruwer and lovingly finished by hand.
Historic Paarl based Laborie has been making wine since 1698 and guests will enjoy Blanc de Blanc Cap Classique and Laborie Rosé. The Blanc de Blanc displays lovely toast, citrus zest, nougat, apple and honey, the wine is creamy and perfectly balanced with a lasting aftertaste. Think Turkish delight and the Laborie Rose is a delight! Up-front notes of rose petal, cherry, perfume, this wine is crisp, fresh and shows finesse with flavours of strawberry, red apple, sherbet and brioche.
Silverthorn brings some magical qualities to the evening with their Genie and Jewel Box MCC wines. Joachim Rieck bought a farm outside Robertson on the banks of the Breede River, overlooking the rugged peaks of the Riviersonderend Mountains and here the crafting of these wines takes place.
Genie embraces the free willed spirit of the genie that broke the rules - try it - and love it.
MCC Jewel Box emphasizes richness, opulence and complexity. Inspired by Krug and Bollinger the blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is carefully and lovingly crafted. The result: dry, rich and full with a soft toasty creaminess with a beautiful palate weight.
Plaisir de Merle introduces its maiden release of Grand Brut MCC at this function. Winemaker Niel Bester launched this elegant and distinctive Méthode Cap Classique as a celebration of his 20th vintage on this historic farm. The wine estate was established in 1693 and is considered a jewel of the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek Winelands. This classic MCC is a combination of the noble Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals and is a beautifully layered wine that offers freshness married with dark fruit and fullness - truly one of the jewels of the evening.
The Grande Roche Hotel promises a superb treat when you make your reservation for this unusual evening. And with this as a teaser to the upcoming Franschhoek bubbly festival in early December - what better way to launch into the summer season.
Date: 17 November
Time: 7pm
Cost: R400 per person food and wine included
Bookings: 021 863 5100 christine@granderoche.co.za
Time: 19:00 - 23:28
Venue: The Grande Roche Hotel, Cape Town
Cost: R400 per person food and wine included
More info:
the Grande Rohe Hotel, Plantasie Street, Paarl